As Kenya gears up for the 2027 general elections, political aspirants need to strategize not only about what to say and do, but also about when to start their campaigns. Timing is crucial in shaping the trajectory of a political campaign, as early and thoughtful engagement with voters and key stakeholders can significantly influence the outcome.
Wainaina wa Njeri’s ‘The Art of Winning Elections’ book stresses that the “best time to start is when you have a clear vision of your message, strategy, and a support network ready.” But when is the right moment to begin?
Goals cannot be achieved without the ‘know how’ to the destination.
Many seasoned politicians argue that it’s never too early to start building the groundwork for a successful campaign.
However, there is a delicate balance. Wainaina warns that a campaign launched too early can cause the candidate to lose momentum or even appear desperate.
When is the right time?
In the initial planning phase, political aspirants should start by developing a solid vision and assessing their readiness for public office. This is the phase for personal reflection and honest self-assessment.
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Begin cultivating relationships with key stakeholders: family, friends, professional contacts, and local leaders. Establish a presence in your community and identify potential allies in the political arena.
Next, candidates should begin formalizing their campaigns. This includes forming teams, setting up funding mechanisms, and launching public-facing activities.
A campaign launched too early may attract unnecessary scrutiny, while an unprepared start can result in disorganization.
However, an early but strategic engagement, starting with groundwork in 2025 and official activities in 2026, will allow candidates to adjust to shifting political dynamics and develop strong local connections.
Political Calendar in Kenya
Candidates must align their efforts with the official electoral schedule. In Kenya, election dates are typically set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the final year before the election is filled with stringent electoral laws, including deadlines for nominations and party primaries.
There is need to understand the electoral process and keep track of important milestones such as party primaries and the final list of approved candidates.
Once the election year officially begins, candidates can start to ramp up their campaigns by hosting rallies, launching media campaigns, and engaging with grassroots communities.
Starting the official campaign in line with the electoral calendar helps ensure that the candidate is adhering to legal requirements while maximizing voter engagement during critical periods.
Setting the stage
Wainaina wa Njeri emphasizes that “building a campaign war chest and ensuring voter loyalty begins far ahead of the polls.”
The first step towards this is creating an early connection with potential voters and identifying financial backers.
It is advisable to begin networking and creating a loyal base by holding informal community meetings. Listening to people’s concerns and identifying their needs will lay the groundwork for a campaign message that resonates.
Funds are crucial in running an effective campaign. Aspiring candidates should begin fundraising efforts well before the official launch. Engage potential donors, both individual and institutional, early to ensure campaign viability.
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By engaging with voters early, candidates can create a relationship built on trust and mutual understanding. Early fundraising ensures that when the official campaign season begins, there are enough resources to launch activities without unnecessary delays.
As Wainaina highlights, “Trust is earned, not given.” Candidates should aim to build a reputation that is synonymous with integrity, competence, and a genuine desire to serve.
Beyond the formal campaign period, candidates should engage in local charity work, attend community meetings, and remain active in civic life.
What to expect
Anticipate key issues and begin discussing potential solutions, positioning yourself as a forward-thinking leader ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
A long-term, visible commitment to the community will set a candidate apart from others who may only appear in the public eye when seeking votes. Building trust and a solid reputation early on is the key to making a lasting impression.
Finally, Wainaina notes that “Politics is fluid; what works today may not work tomorrow.” Political environments evolve, and candidates must remain agile, adjusting their strategies and campaign messages based on shifting dynamics.
Keep a close watch on national political trends, party alignments, and voter concerns. This will help refine your messaging and offer timely solutions to current issues.
In the last year leading up to the election, begin fine-tuning your message to reflect the latest political climate, emerging issues, and voter sentiment.
By staying adaptable, candidates ensure their campaign remains relevant and responsive to voter needs, even as the political landscape changes in the run-up to the elections.
Road to 2027
Starting a campaign for the 2027 general elections requires a balance between early preparation and timely execution. As Wainaina wa Njeri advises in The Art of Winning Elections, a successful campaign is one where the candidate is not only ready with a clear vision and strong team but also has a deep understanding of their political environment and the needs of the electorate.
For aspiring candidates, the right time to begin is now—by laying a solid foundation in 2025, engaging with key stakeholders, building trust, and aligning activities with the electoral calendar, the road to victory can be paved.
Ultimately, the timing of a campaign is not solely about the calendar—it’s about the candidate’s readiness, their capacity to build meaningful connections, and their ability to adapt to the challenges of the political terrain. By starting at the right time and with the right strategy, the 2027 elections could become a defining moment in Kenya’s political history.
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